Hepatitis A outbreak reaches more than 900 cases in Michigan

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LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) - Hepatitis A cases in Michigan are beginning to slow down following an outbreak earlier this year.

As of Nov. 7, 2018, the Michigan Health Department has reported 905 cases compared to a total of 327 cases from 2011 to 2015.

Health officials say weekly counts have slowed from 15-20 cases per week to about three a week.

Officials also urge resident to get vaccinated:

“Our local health department partners have been instrumental in slowing this epidemic through outreach efforts and vaccination clinics targeted towards high risk individuals,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “With vaccine available, all residents are encouraged to discuss their risk factors with their doctor or local health department.”

Symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting

Belly pain

Fatigue

Fever

Loss of appetite

Yellowing skin and eyes

Dark urine

Pale-colored feces

Joint pain

“This has been the largest person-to-person hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan’s history,” Wells said. “It’s imperative that Michigan residents get vaccinated to protect themselves and prevent the further spread of this outbreak in Michigan communities. Talk to your health care provider to see if you are at risk of getting hepatitis A.”